Don’t let your first arrow be a practice arrow
Photo by Forrest Fisher 3D Archery practice isn’t only about hitting the target, it helps to learn about staying focused and learning to settle your nerves before you meet a deer like this one, face to face.
Photo by Forrest Fisher The morning air is chilling each day, and it is quite common in the next few weeks to catch walleye and occasional steelhead on the same trip in Lake Erie.
Photo by Forrest Fisher 3D Archery practice isn’t only about hitting the target, it helps to learn about staying focused and learning to settle your nerves before you meet a deer like this one, face to face.
Photo by Forrest Fisher The morning air is chilling each day, and it is quite common in the next few weeks to catch walleye and occasional steelhead on the same trip in Lake Erie.
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The walleye fishing is still hot on Lake Erie, the smallmouth bass action too, and steelhead action in the streams is just about to begin, and yet, the early archery season is less than 5-weeks away. It's time to start building and renewing your muscle memory and mindset for estimating distance.
When New York's early big-game archery season opens Oct. 1, bowhunters will be thinking about taking a deer or bear to the butcher shop.
Now is the time to remember that successful bowhunting is about much more than getting lucky enough to have an animal step within range.
It's about being ready when it happens.
That means developing the muscles needed to draw and hold a bow comfortably, building muscle memory through repetition, learning your personal effective shooting distance, and becoming confident enough and quiet enough with your equipment that you can concentrate on the animal -- not wonder whether your arrow will get there.
A bowhunter who hasn't shot since last season may discover something unpleasant: the muscles remember less than the brain does. Your mind might confidently announce, "I can make that shot," while your shoulder muscles quietly reply, "We have concerns."
That's where 3-D archery practice shoots become valuable.
Shooting at three-dimensional animal targets, from varying distances and positions, helps hunters develop the judgment and shooting discipline required in the field. It also provides an opportunity to practice estimating distance, controlling breathing, maintaining a steady anchor point and executing a smooth release. Just as importantly, repeated practice teaches bowhunters to recognize their maximum ethical shooting distance -- a number that may be considerably shorter than their maximum possible shooting distance.
Practice isn't only about hitting the target. Moving quietly, staying focused and learning to settle your nerves are all part of becoming a better bowhunter.
Fortunately, Western New York conservation and sportsmen's clubs provide plenty of opportunities to get ready.
One example is the Evans Rod & Gun Club, which is holding their annual 3-D Archery/Fall Tune-Up shoots each Wednesday through Sept. 30. The club's 15-target course uses life-size 3-D animal targets and is designed to mimic the variety of situations a hunter may encounter outdoors.
The shoots are open to the public. Members shoot for $5, non-members $10, and children 12 and under shoot free. Food and beverages are available. For people who have always wanted to try archery, Evans also offers free introductory archery instruction Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m., with starter equipment provided. No appointment is necessary. For more information, contact Jerry Gorski at 716-698-3008. Similar sessions are offered at Bear Lake Rod and Gun (call 716-397-9717), West Falls Conservation (call 716-652-4650), and many other organizations.
The clock is ticking toward Oct. 1. Don't wait until a buck steps into range to discover whether your bowhunting muscles remember what they’re supposed to do. Build the muscle. Sharpen the skills. Know your limits. Then go hunting.
Gotta love the outdoors.
Outdoor Calendar
Aug. 27: 3D Archery & Spaghetti Dinner, 4-7 p.m., members $5, non-members $8, dinner $8; West Falls Conservation, 55 Bridge St., West Falls, NY; Info: (716) 652-4650.
Aug. 27: 3D Archery, 20 targets Bear Lake Rod and Gun, 4 p.m. start, $10 fee, open to public, 4391 Stockton-Cassadaga Road, Stockton, NY; 716-397-9717.
Aug. 28-30: NYS Conservation Council, Fall Conference, Hancock House/Catskills Fly Fishing Museum, visit: www.nyscc.com.
Aug. 29: Aug. 30: NYSDEC Bowhunter Ed Course, Springville Field & Stream, 8900 Chaise Rd., Springville, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., register at: https://decals.events.east.licensing.app/em/events/431 or call DEC Hunter Education at 585-226-5463.
Sept. 2: 3D Archery, Evans Rod/Gun, 4PM start, $10 fee, 15 targets, free instruction 4 p.m.-6 p.m.; Info-call Jerry Gorski, 716-698-3008.